Fear Itself: Spider-Man #3Review

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Spider-Man battles an unstoppable Ben Grimm.

By Jesse Schedeen

If only more Fear Itself books could make use of the concept like this book has. Fear Itself: Spider-Man is one of the very few to actually explore the concept of fear and how it impacts the regular and costumed citizens of the Marvel Universe. Unsurprisingly, issue #3 brings the mini to a satisfying conclusion.

Chris Yost throws Spider-Man into a situation that rivals his first fight with Morlun in terms of sheer physical danger and emotional drainage. This time his opponent is The Thing. Ben Grimm's presence adds an extra bit of appeal to the conflict. The resolution to their battle isn't great. The two are essentially locked in a stalemate from the beginning, as Spidey is ill-equipped to defeat a Thor-level foe and Ben certainly won't be taken off the board outside the main Fear Itself series. But for most of the issue, Ben is an effective villain that pushes Peter to his limits.

Yost delivers satisfying caps to the various supporting characters in the book, particularly Norah Winters. Though the greater Fear Itself conflict rages on, these characters are allowed full arcs as they confront their fears and overcome them in a largely optimistic ending.

Mike McKone's art remains solid, though it becomes a bit flat and rushed in the final pages. In general, though, his work is dynamic and excellent at conveying the tension and desperation of Spidey's battle.

It's a little sad to see this series conclude. It sets a storytelling standard that few other tie-in books seem able to match. But if nothing else, Fear Itself: Spider-Man will stand as showcase of how to do tie-ins properly and efficiently.